West Ham secured a big win in the fight for a European place for next season with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.
It was Andriy Yarmolenko’s day, the Ukrainian playing for the first time since Russia invaded his homeland scored and was visibly emotional in his goal celebration as he was greeted with a standing ovation on his arrival as a substitute and at the end of the game.
Let’s look at the player ratings for this game, ahead of the big second leg match versus Sevilla.
West Ham defeated Aston Villa in an emotional day at the London Stadium as Ukranian Andriy Yarmolenko scored the opener.
Lukasz Fabianski – 8/10
The Polish goalkeeper made a couple of big saves to keep the Hammers in the game including a fine tip onto the post to deny Danny Ings at 0-0. A good performance from the number one.
Ben Johnson – 7/10
As always solid in defence building on his exceptional performance in Spain earlier in the week. When Aaron Cresswell went off injured he switched to left-back and looked just as accomplished if not better there showing his talent at such a young age. He needs to improve his attacking side of his game though, if he does West Ham have a fantastic full-back on their hands.
Craig Dawson – 8.5/10
It was another brilliant display from Dawson, as reported before on our site, it was again confirmed this week he has been playing on through injury for most of the season and his commitment makes him a fan’s favourite. He was solid throughout, his passing which is sometimes a weakness was great especially his switch long ball out to Said Benrahma who then assisted Yarmolenko’s goal. He did miss a huge chance to score though.
Kurt Zouma – 7/10
Once again another solid performance continuing his good run of form since the cat video emerged.
Aaron Cresswell – 6/10
A lot of the attacking play in the first half came down the left, Cresswell had a decent game but was rarely challenged defensively. He went off injured which is a big concern ahead of Thursday night.
Tomas Soucek – 7/10
The Czech international tried to get in the box more and he couldn’t direct his header on target in the first half. He hasn’t been the same as last season but his performance against Villa was respectable winning the ball back a few times and winning lots of aerial duels in the midfield.
Declan Rice – 9/10
His consistency is amazing. He once again won the ball back on a regular basis and drove through the midfield setting up West Ham’s second goal. It was a typical Rice performance and he was praised by Steven Gerrard after the match. He did a good job alongside Soucek in keeping Philippe Coutinho quiet.
Manuel Lanzini – 6/10
The Jewel has enjoyed a comeback season this campaign and has been brilliant but he wasn’t at his best versus Villa. By his high standards he gave the ball away a little too much.
Pablo Fornals – 7/10
With Jarrod Bowen and Nikola Vlasic out he played out of position on the right. He didn’t have his best game but took his chance well to get on the scoresheet and score the winning goal for West Ham.
Said Benrahma – 8/10
He was wasteful in the first half doing one good thing for every one bad thing, however, after the break he was much improved choosing to pass and dribble in the correct moments. He grabbed both assists with two smart passes.
Michail Antonio – 5/10
He was subbed off due to injury and West Ham will hope he makes a quick recovery for midweek but Antonio didn’t put in his best display while on the pitch.
Substitutes:
Andriy Yarmolenko – 10/10 – Man of the Match
To play football with all that is going on is incredible and he was excellent when he came on working tirelessly, dropping deep well and his touch and finish was sublime. His emotion filled celebration and the appreciation from the London Stadium crowd was a special moment. If Antonio is out for Sevilla, West Ham will need Yarmolenko as inspired as that.
Ryan Fredericks – 7/10
Didn’t put a foot wrong when he came on.
Issa Diop – N/A
He was not of the field long enough to get a rating.